Sharla Boehm, the programmer whose code underpins the Internet
2 days ago
- #women-in-stem
- #packet-switching
- #computer-history
- Sharla Boehm transitioned from teaching to computer programming, applying her math skills at RAND Corporation.
- She developed a groundbreaking simulation for resilient military communications, laying the foundation for the modern internet.
- Her work on packet-switching, known as 'hot potato routing,' enabled self-healing networks that could withstand attacks.
- Despite her contributions, Sharla left programming in 1965 to focus on family and community, rarely discussing her past achievements.
- The episode highlights the historical oversight of women like Sharla in tech narratives and celebrates her broader legacy.